‘Teeth’ examines the tensions surrounding tooth care, whether for health, comfort or confidence, and the origins of dentistry.

The exhibition features over 150 objects, including paintings and caricatures, ancient protective amulets, toothpaste advertisements and a range of chairs, drills and training tools.

As the only visible part of the human skeleton, teeth are intrinsically linked to identity, both individual and cultural, and say a lot about who we are. The exhibition explores the lengths some people will go to for a perfect smile, and how teeth provide vital forensic clues in the aftermath of warfare or natural catastrophe.

5 things you need to see at the Teeth exhibition

Exhibition highlights include:

Pierre Fauchard’s 'Le Chirugien-Dentiste' (the Surgeon-Dentist) the first scientific treatise on teeth in 1728

the hygiene set used by Queen Victoria’s dentist

Napoleon Bonaparte’s toothbrush

an ancient Mayan tooth inlayed with precious jade

a set of contemporary gold Grillz

giant teeth and oversized tools used for training dentists.

‘Teeth’ is curated by James Peto and Emily Scott-Dearing. It was inspired by 'The Smile Stealers' by Richard Barnett, published by Thames & Hudson in association with Wellcome Collection

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